Social Good

7 unsung heroes you need to add to your holiday shopping list

Your holiday shopping list is about to get a little longer, but for all the right reasons.

While you may think you have everyone accounted for, you're probably forgetting a few notable people on your list — those who make your day-to-day easier with work that often goes unnoticed. They're true unsung heroes, and they deserve appreciation.

1. Your child’s bus driver

Bus drivers are a vital part of your child’s school day. They supervise about 70 kids singlehandedly, all while moving along on schedule. The job is demanding and hectic, yet the pay is low. With school bus drivers making a salary that reaches approximately $28,000 per year on average, they definitely need appreciation.

What to get to say thanks: Sustainable sunglasses

Price: $21.95

Why shades? Whether it’s the stark-white winter snow or a really bright sunrise, bus drivers can always benefit from a cool pair of shades. Sunglasses of the sustainable variety can run pretty expensive, but ICU Eyewear has a variety of budget-friendly options.

2. Your garbage collector

Garbage collectors deal with your undesirables all year long. Once it’s in a trash bag, it’s not your problem anymore — and that’s thanks to the folks who haul your junk away. It goes without saying that the job is heavily stigmatized, and most customers go about their day without giving the warranted recognition.

What to get to say thanks: Socially conscious coffee

Price: $11.99 per 12-ounce bag

Why coffee? Have you ever been woken up by the sound of a garbage truck? Sure, it can be annoying, but it points out an often overlooked point: Garbage collectors wake up much earlier than you do to hit the road and collect your trash. Help them yawn a little less with some coffee from a sustainable, non-profit company like Three Avocados. Three Avocados donates 100% of the sales from its coffee to provide clean drinking water in Uganda or access to education in Nicaragua, making it a morning pick-me-up to the extreme.

3. Your mail carrier

Your mail carrier battles snow, rain, heat and more to deliver your packages year-round. They're often only acknowledged when a package or piece of mail is late — that is, when things go wrong. But your mail carrier isn't only responsible for your mail, but the mail of hundreds of other families — and that responsibility is rarely acknowledged or appreciated.

What to get to say thanks: Active, warm socks

Price: $11-$18

Why socks? Socks get a bad reputation as a reject gift. But Bombas are a thoughtful — and impactful — gift. Not only are quality socks essential when you're battling Mother Nature to deliver the mail, but these socks have a positive social impact, too.

Socks are desperately needed by clothing donation charities, but they're rarely donated. To solve that problem, Bombas operates on a one-for-one giving strategy, donating one pair of socks for every pair purchased. Due to USPS regulations, mail carriers can only accept gifts under $20 — so this gift fits the bill.

4. Caregiving family and friends

Caregiving is typically underappreciated and undervalued. Caregivers are often expected to be silent about the work they do for the person they're caring for, rarely receiving substantial support throughout the caregiving process. It can be stressful, overwhelming and emotional work.

What to get to say thanks: A mug and tea

Price: $12

Why a simple mug and tea? Since caregiving is a stressful responsibility that can be incredibly isolating, the best gift you can give is the willingness to listen. Give your caregiving friend or family member a mug and tea, including a card explaining that the small gift comes with a weekly phone call for the coming year. Lend your ear and a little time to a friend every week just to check in on how things are going, and to listen without judgment. It will make a big difference, plus all proceeds of this particular mug go to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

5. Your favorite community hero

We all have a favorite community hero who goes above and beyond to enact change. Whether it’s someone who organizes your favorite local events or a community member who advocates for a better living environment for locals, there’s always that person who fights endlessly for a better community. The holidays are the perfect time to give them a little thanks for all they do to make life better for you and your neighbors.

What to get to say thanks: A gift card that gives back

Price: $10 and up

Why a gift card? Your favorite community hero values giving back, so help them do some good with a gift card that can be redeemed for causes. Organizations like GlobalGiving and Universal Giving allow a gift card recipient to support social good initiatives globally, such as empowering women in developing nations or providing health relief to those in need. Plus, GlobalGiving gift cards are biodegradable.

6. Supporting office staff

From cleaning staff to security guards to office secretaries, those who help your office run a little smoother hardly receive adequate recognition — if any recognition at all — for the work they do. Your office environment would be a lot less comfortable without them, so show them their work is appreciated every day.

What to get to say thanks: A one-for-one book gift certificate

Price: $10 and up

Why a one-for-one book gift certificate? A book is a great way to pass the morning commute or to relax during your lunch break, making it the perfect gift for your office heroes. Better World Books has donated more than 17 million books in its history, operating on a one-for-one giving model. The organization supports global literacy, which is a cause your officemates are sure to appreciate. Plus, your office staff can use the gift certificate to pick their own book from a wide selection of titles spanning countless genres.

7. Anyone working during the holidays

Image: JHILA FARZANEH/MASHABLE

Working during the holidays, even if you don’t celebrate the holiday in question, is stressful. Customer emotions are high and their patience is low, leading to a lot of frustration and frantic customer service. Service workers, like restaurant waitstaff and store cashiers, are under incredible pressure during the holiday season to perform perfectly — and their sacrifice and smiles throughout all of the chaos are rarely appreciated.

What to get to say thanks: A donation to a cause they love

Price: As much as you can give

Why a donation? Donations in a stranger's name are the perfect gift to give to someone with whom you only interact for a moment. If you're having a meal at a restaurant, share your meal with a Syrian refugee in need using the ShareAMeal App. Give on behalf of the waitstaff and pass along the message that you're giving in their names to thank them for working so hard.

If you're shopping during the season, take a second to talk to those helping you check out and find out what they're passionate about. If they sing in a band on their days off, tell them you'll donate to an impactful charity helping to bring music to schools in their name. If they love to read, donate to a charity providing books to those who can’t afford them.

It’s a small thanks for the work they do — and a great way to give to a good cause that they can define.

Mashable
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